Residents trying to prevent a gipsy camp springing up on their doorsteps have called for councillors to close a rural lane.

Residents trying to prevent a gipsy camp springing up on their doorsteps have called for councillors to close a rural lane.

Rumour and speculation is rife in Sedgefield that land off Stockton Road, near the old cemetery area and Old Beacon Lane, has been earmarked by Durham County Council as an ideal site for an official gipsy camp.

A note that dropped through residents' doors said the Town Council is calling for closure after receiving many complaints of "fly-tipping, speeding motorists, drug users and increasing problems of gipsy/traveller stopovers". But it adds closure is only possible with the cooperation of Durham County Council, which owns the lane.

One resident, who asked not to be named, said: "After the trouble, damage and aggravation caused the last time we had travellers staying in the area we want the lane closed. A lot of people believe such camps lead to a rise in crime, a reduction in the value of people's homes and intimidation and harassment from the travellers."

Durham County Council chiefs denied any proposals to make the site an official camp and said while they were unable to close the road, they believed they could offer a "realistic and workable" compromise.

Chris Tunstall, director of environment and technical services, said council chiefs were "conscious of the villagers' views" and have discussed it with the town council.

But he said there are a number of utilities running under the lane and companies prefer easy access via a public highway.

"Our preferred option, which we have outlined, is to erect a gate to restrict the travellers' access to the eastern end of the lane, which is closest to the village and nearby homes and control access to the lane by traffic management measures," he said.